INSPECTION BY H.R.H. PRINCE ALBERT. 
35 
high dignitary of the church, attended by a party of 
clergymen, was going to step on board, the sentry 
stopped him, saying : You cannot pass, Sir.” In vain 
some of the clergy whispered to him : ‘‘ It is His Grace,” 
&c., &c. The stupid sentinel having never heard of such 
a person, nor was he acquainted with any official cocked 
hat of such a shape, said : “ I can’t help it, Sir ; none 
but respectable people can come on board.” One of 
the officers perceiving it, quickly rectified the mistake. 
His Grace expressed himself much gratified by the in- 
spection of the various contrivances. 
We sailed from Kingston harbour on the 27th of Feb- 
ruary, and arrived at Woolwich on the 4th of March; 
having touched on our way at Plymouth and Ports- 
mouth. Found here the ' Albert’ and ' Soudan,’ getting 
ready for sea. 
The near departure of the expedition excited such 
general and increasing interest, that great numbers of 
visitors came daily on board the 'Albert’ principally, as she 
was in order. On the 23rd of March, H.R.H. Prince 
Albert did us the honour of inspecting the expedition. 
The ' Wilberforce’ was not in such a state of forwardness 
as the other two vessels ; having arrived later, we were 
in the confusion of preparation, with caulkers and other 
artificers on board, which was explained to His Royal 
Highness, who, however, with his usual gracious con- 
descension, expressed his intention of visiting all the 
vessels. 
The officers had the honour of being presented to His 
D 2 
